Fleet management system

CROSS REFERENCE TO OTHER APPLICATIONS

0001This application is a continuation under 35 U.S.C. § 120 and 37 C.F.R. § 1.53(b) of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/586,323 filed Dec. 30, 2014, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/928,759, filed Jan. 17, 2014, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

0002This application relates to the management of fleet devices based on sensor data. In one example, the sensor data describes a load on an engine.

BACKGROUND

0003A group of machines may be referred to as a fleet. Examples in which fleets of machines are deployed may be in agriculture, landscaping, gardening and timber harvesting. The group of machines may include small internal combustion engines. The fleet may be managed by a single entity. For example, the machines may be dispatched or assigned to job locations. The single entity may rely on workers to manually enter data in logs in order to maintain the machines. It may be difficult to rely on the system to track working hours, maintenance, and other management functions of the machines.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

0004Exemplary embodiments are described herein with reference to the following drawings.

0005<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> illustrates an example fleet management system.

0006<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> illustrates another example fleet management system.

0007<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> illustrates one example relationship between engine speed, throttle position, and manifold pressure.

0008<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> illustrates an example deck signature for a lawnmower.

0009<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> illustrates an example server.

0010<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> illustrates an example mobile device.

0011<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> illustrates an example application for the mobile device.

0012<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> illustrates another example application for the mobile device.

0013<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> illustrates an example flow chart for the fleet management system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

0014A group of machines may be referred to as a fleet. Each of the machines in the fleet may include an engine, one or more sensors, and one or more communication modules. Some example machines, such as chainsaws, lawn mowers, wood chippers, stump grinders, concrete trowels, mini excavators, concrete saws, portable saw mills, weed trimmers, all-terrain vehicles, wood splitters, pressure washers, garden tillers, tractors, plows, snow blowers, welding equipment, generators, and other devices, may include small internal combustion engines. The fleet may include different or other types of machines and/or different engines. In some instances, the fleet is a unitary fleet of a single device.

0015The engine and/or one or more sensors may identify, measure, and/or otherwise detect various information and data about the engine or machine. The machines may transmit information, such as through or using the communication module, to one or more central devices. The information may be analyzed by a central device, or management device, in order to facilitate maintenance, audits, coordination of the machines, theft prevention, or other management processes. The fleet may include different types of devices.

0016<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> illustrates an example fleet management system. The fleet management system may include one or more engines <b>10</b>, a management device <b>20</b>, and an access device <b>30</b>. One or more of the engines <b>10</b> may be included with a machine driven by the engine, such as a lawn mower. The engines <b>10</b> and the access device <b>30</b> may communicate with the management device <b>20</b> through one or more wired or wireless networks. Additional, different, or fewer devices may be included in the fleet management system.

0017The engines <b>10</b> may collect data. For example, the engine <b>10</b> or a sensor in communication with the engine <b>10</b> may identify, measure, and/or otherwise detect information or values for various parameters of the engine <b>10</b> or machine driven by the engine <b>10</b>. As an example, the engine <b>10</b> may include an engine control unit (ECU) or engine control module (ECM) which may communicate with temperature, pressure, or speed sensors to gather information about the operating parameters of the engine such as a load on the engine. Many other examples are possible.

0018The engines <b>10</b> may include logic, circuitry, or a controller to aggregate, filter, tag, and package the data. In one example, the controller includes a communication module that filters and packages the data. In one example, the controller includes logic for averaging the data over time or filtering to remove noisy data or outlier values. As another example, the communication module, controller, or other logic may insert an identifier into, or otherwise tag, the data. The identifier may include one or more of a date stamp, a time stamp, a machine identification value, and a fleet identification value. As another example, the communication module, controller, or other logic may insert an ambient condition value into, or otherwise tag, the data. The ambient condition value may include the altitude, temperature, pressure, or orientation of the machine when the data was collected. Many other examples of filtering, tagging, and packaging are possible. Alternatively, raw data (e.g., without filtering, tagging, and/or packaging) may be sent by the engine <b>10</b> to the management device <b>20</b>. In these systems, the management device <b>20</b> may perform any of the aggregating, filtering, tagging, or packaging of the data, and/or may analyze the data. For example, the management device <b>20</b> may receive sensor data for an engine from one or more fleet devices.

0019One or more engines <b>10</b> may store the data, such as in memory accessible to or part of the ECU or ECM. In addition or alternatively, the engines <b>10</b> may transmit the data, including any attached identifier and/or the ambient condition value, to the management device <b>20</b>. Alternatively, the management device <b>20</b> may probe the engines <b>10</b> or gather the information directly from the engines <b>10</b>. For example, the engines <b>10</b> may include or be in communication with one or more communication modules that may transmit the data to the management device <b>20</b>.

0020The management device <b>20</b> may analyze the sensor data to identify a management function and generate a message including the management function, which is communicated to the engines <b>10</b>. The communication between the engines <b>10</b> and the management device <b>20</b> may occur continuously, regularly, intermittently, at set intervals, when triggered, randomly, or at various other intervals. For example, the communication may be through a cellular connection with a cellular telephone network. The cellular telephone network may utilize one or more of the analog advanced mobile phone system (AMPS), the global system for mobile communication (GSM), third generation partnership project (3GPP), code division multiple access (CDMA), personal handy-phone system (PHS), 4G or long term evolution (LTE) standards, and future standards.

0021As another example, the communication between the engines <b>10</b> and the management device <b>20</b> may be intermittent. For example, the controller of the engine <b>10</b> may upload data and predefined times, when connected to a communication device, or when in range of a wireless network. The wireless network may utilize radio frequency communication using the Bluetooth protocol, the IEEE 802.11 family of protocols, or another protocol. Many other examples of communication interactions are possible.

0022The management device <b>20</b> may be or include one or more servers or other memory in which the management device <b>20</b> may store the data. The management device <b>20</b> may additionally analyze the data. The analysis may involve identification of a problem with the engine or machine, calculation of a performance metric associated with the engine or machine, or detection of routine maintenance for the engine or machine.

0023In some systems, the engine <b>10</b> may additionally or alternatively perform one or more of the above-described analyses, identifications, or calculations with the information. The engine <b>10</b> may communicate the analysis results to the management device <b>20</b>. Other variations are possible.

0024The management device <b>20</b> may communicate with the access device <b>30</b>. The access device <b>30</b> may be one or more consumer devices, such as a cellular or smart phone, tablet, computer or processor, or various other devices. The access device <b>30</b> may communicate with the management device <b>20</b> through a wireless network, internet, or a cellular telephone network as described above. The communication may be email, text message, or another communication.

0025The access device <b>30</b> may display information from the management device <b>20</b>, or one or more messages, to the user of the access device <b>30</b>. For example, the access device <b>30</b> may display information about the performance of the engine <b>10</b> or the machine to the user, such as a performance report. As another example, the access device <b>30</b> may display a message indicating that a repair or service is necessary. The display may include a chart or graph that describes the states of multiple engines <b>10</b> or machines incorporating engines <b>10</b> in the fleet. Many other variations are possible.

0026<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> illustrates another example fleet management system. The fleet management system may include one or more machines <b>100</b>, servers <b>200</b>, and mobile devices <b>300</b>. In some systems, the server <b>200</b> may be a management device <b>20</b>, and the mobile device <b>300</b> may be an access device <b>30</b>. Additional, different, or fewer components may be included in the fleet management system.

0027The machine <b>100</b> may include an engine <b>10</b>, a sensor array <b>11</b>, a memory <b>13</b>, a radio <b>15</b>, and a controller <b>17</b>. The controller <b>17</b> may be an engine control unit (ECU) or a combination of an ECU and another controller.

0028The sensor array <b>11</b> may include one or more types of sensors. Example types of sensors include gas sensors, motion sensors, temperature sensors, pressure sensors, and internal engine sensors. Example gas sensors may include one or more of oxygen sensor, carbon dioxide sensor, carbon monoxide, or an emission sensor. An example emission sensor may detect exhaust hydrocarbon plus oxides of nitrogen (HC+NOx).

0029Example motion sensors may include any combination of a position sensor, an accelerometer, and a rotation sensor. Example positioning sensors may include a global positioning system (GPS) for providing the location of the machine <b>100</b>. An example accelerometer may be single-axis or multi-axis. An example rotation sensor may be tilt sensor, a gyrometer, a compass, or a magnetic sensor. Example temperature and pressure sensors may measure a temperature or pressure of a component of the machine or the temperature of the air entering the engine. Any combination of the sensors may be included individual or integrated into an inertial measurement unit (IMU) including any combination of accelerometers, gyroscopes, and magnetometers. Other sensors may be used.

0030The internal engine sensors may include a manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor, air to fuel ratio sensors, injection time sensors, temperature plus manifold absolute pressure sensor (TMAP), engine temperature sensors, air intake temperature sensors, oil temperature sensors, oil pressure sensors, battery sensor, ignition sensor, a clock, oil quality sensor, oil level sensor, crankshaft position, choke position sensors and throttle position sensor.

0031The engine <b>10</b> may include a manifold, one or more cylinders, a fuel supply, a speed governor, a cooling system, an exhaust system, a lubrication system, and a starter. The manifold absolute pressure (MAP), air intake temperature, and temperature+manifold absolute pressure (TMAP) sensors may be mounted in the manifold or throttle valve. The engine temperature sensors may be located at various locations in the engine <b>10</b> including the cylinders, manifold, a cooling system, and exhaust. The oil quality sensor, oil temperature sensor and/or the oil pressure sensor may be mounted in the lubrication system. The battery sensor may be electrically connected to the battery or elsewhere in the electrical system. The throttle position sensor may be on a throttle valve. Additional, different, or fewer components may be included.

0032In some example systems, the controller <b>17</b> analyzes the sensor data, such as by performing any of the analysis described below and elsewhere herein. In some of these systems, the radio <b>15</b> may send the results to the server <b>200</b>. In other examples, the raw data from the sensor array <b>11</b> may be sent by the radio <b>15</b> to the server <b>200</b>, and the server <b>200</b> may perform any of the analysis described below and elsewhere herein. The sensor data may be encoded using the Keyword Protocol 2000 (KWP2000), CAN bus, or one board diagnostic (OBD II), or in various other ways or with various other protocols.

0033Notifications or reports may be sent from the server <b>200</b> to the mobile device <b>300</b>. The notifications or reports may describe management functions. For example, a notification may be sent to a user when the machine <b>100</b> or server <b>200</b> determines that maintenance or service may be due on the machine <b>100</b> or a component thereof. In other examples, the mobile devices <b>300</b> may access data or analysis from the server <b>200</b>, such as through one or more web sites, applications (or apps), or other user interface modules. For example, a user may access information about a fleet of machines <b>100</b> stored on the server <b>200</b> through a secure log-in process. Alternatively, the notifications may be sent by email, text message, or through a mobile application. Many other variations are possible.

0034The following examples include example implementations of engine sensor data collection and analysis by the fleet management system. While the following examples may refer to server <b>200</b> or mobile device <b>300</b>, it should be understand that the examples may be performed by any management device <b>20</b>, access device <b>30</b>, or other computing device.

0035The fleet management system may provide maintenance reminders in order to provide customized maintenance intervals and extend the life of the engine. The maintenance reminders may be based on time. For example, the server <b>200</b> may compare a time recorded at or by the engine <b>10</b> to a predetermine maintenance interval. The time may be tracked or recorded using a clock at the engine <b>10</b> or another location.

0036For example, an engine <b>10</b> may track the run time of the engine <b>10</b>, or a run time of the engine <b>10</b> since a reset condition (such as since a past maintenance action). A timer or clock may start when the engine <b>10</b> is running and may stop when the engine <b>10</b> stops. The start and stop of the timer or clock may be based on an ignition sensor or an ignition signal from an ignition. Additionally or alternatively, the start and stop of the timer or clock may be based on another parameter that indicates the engine is running, such as based on a start or stop of a crankshaft turning, when fuel is flowing to an injection system or from a fuel tank, etc. In another example, the engine <b>10</b> or another component may track a number of starts of the engine <b>10</b>, which may be used by the engine <b>10</b> or the server <b>200</b> to determine a maintenance reminder or alert. In one example, the start and stop of the timer may depend on a load on the engine. For example, when the load on the engine exceeds a threshold, the timer is started, and when the load on the engine falls below the threshold, the timer is stopped or paused.

0037The server <b>200</b> may generate a message or report for display at the mobile device <b>300</b> that reminds the user to perform engine maintenance based on the engine run time or number of starts. Example types of maintenance reminders that may be identified, calculated, and/or sent may include an oil change, spark plug replacement, air filter change, oil filter change, fuel filter change, air cleaner change, shroud cleaning, and oil cooler cleaning. In some examples, the message may describe a status for multiple engines in the fleet. For example, the message may state that Engine A is in need of service now and Engine C will be in need of service in the week. To increase maintenance efficiency Engine A and Engine C may be serviced immediately. The messages or reports may be sent to the user, such as periodically, regularly, at intervals, when a status changes (such as when a component requires maintenance or will require maintenance in the future), or at other intervals. In other examples, a user may access the messages or reports at their own convenience, such as through a website or mobile application (app). The user may customize the timing and type of the messages. Other variations are possible.

0038The fleet management system may provide automatic customization of the maintenance intervals for individual engines. The engine <b>10</b> or the server <b>200</b> may base maintenance reminders on other parameters of the engine, such as an engine temperature. For example, the server <b>200</b> may receive temperature data from the sensor array <b>11</b>. The temperature data may describe the oil temperature or another detected temperature at the engine <b>10</b>. When the engine <b>10</b> runs at higher than expected temperatures, the maintenance intervals may be shortened. When the engine <b>10</b> runs at lower than expected temperatures, the maintenance intervals may be extended. Example maintenance intervals that may be changed as a function of engine temperature may include oil changes. Other examples are possible.

0039The fleet management system may detect an ideal maintenance interval for individual engines <b>10</b> and/or components of the engines <b>10</b>. The maintenance intervals may be set based on the actual or calculated fuel usage of the engine <b>10</b>. The usage of the engine may be determined from data received at the ECU of the engine <b>10</b>. For example, the engine <b>10</b> may track the time that a fuel injector for a cylinder is open. The controller <b>17</b> (e.g., ECU) may calculate the injection time and generate a signal for the injectors that defines the amount of time the injectors remain open and allow fuel to flow. Using this information, the controller <b>17</b> or the server <b>200</b> may calculate an amount of fuel actually injected into or used by that cylinder. The engine <b>10</b> transmits injection time data of the engine <b>10</b>, and may either perform the fuel usage calculations or may send the data to the server <b>200</b> for calculation. The injection time data may be aggregated to precisely describe the amount of fuel supplied to the cylinders of the engine <b>10</b>. The injection time data may include an on time and an off time for each cylinder of the engine <b>10</b>. The injection time data may be based on the actuation of a solenoid in the injector.

0040The engine <b>10</b> may include one, two, three, four, or any number of cylinders. The injection time data may be different for different cylinders. For any given load and rotational speed of the engine <b>10</b>, the injection time may vary as a function of altitude, temperature, or ambient pressure. The controller <b>17</b> may store injection times in the memory <b>13</b> and report injection time data to the server <b>200</b> periodically (e.g., every minute, every hour, or every day). The server <b>200</b> or the controller <b>17</b> may calculate fuel usage base on the injection time data. For example, each fuel injector may be rated based on volume. Example ratings may include one liter per second or another volume.

0041The controller <b>17</b> may calculate a maintenance interval or other management function based on the injection time data. Example maintenance that may be set as a function of the injection time includes fuel filter replacement. The fuel filter may be rated by volume. For example, a specific fuel filter may be designed for 100,000 liters of fuel or another value. The memory <b>15</b> or server <b>200</b> may include a lookup table that defines maintenance intervals by associating engine models, filter models, or oil types with expected fuel volume lifetimes. Alternatively, the lookup table may define maintenance intervals by associating usage times with engine models, filter models, or oil types.

0042The maintenance intervals may be set based on an oil quality of the engine <b>10</b>. Oil quality data may be generated by the oil quality sensor. The oil quality data may be indicative of contaminants or the viscosity of the oil. The controller <b>17</b> or the server <b>200</b> may compare the oil quality to one or more threshold values. When the quality of the oil falls below the threshold, a message sent to the mobile device <b>200</b> may remind the user to change the oil. Other variations of sensors or calculations may be possible.

0043The maintenance intervals may be set based on an oil level of the engine <b>10</b>. Oil level data may be generated by the oil level sensor (e.g., float sensor). The oil level data may be indicative of the volume of the oil in the lubrication system. The controller <b>17</b> or the server <b>200</b> may compare the oil level data to one or more threshold values. When the quality of the oil falls below the threshold, a message sent to the mobile device <b>200</b> may remind the user to change the oil or add oil to the engine <b>10</b>. Other variations of sensors or calculations may be possible.

0044The fleet management system may detect a need for immediate maintenance. For example, the throttle position and the manifold pressure may generally maintain a consistent relationship when an air filter is operating properly. The controller <b>17</b> may receive throttle position data and manifold pressure data from the sensor array <b>11</b>. In one example, the memory <b>15</b> includes a lookup table that relates expected values for the manifold pressure based on the throttle position and vice versa. Alternatively, the controller <b>17</b> may calculate the expected manifold pressure based on the throttle position or vice versa.

0045In some systems, a baseline relationship between the throttle position and the manifold pressure may be predetermined and set into the memory <b>13</b> of the machine <b>100</b> or the server <b>200</b>. In these systems, this preset baseline relationship may be used to determine when the actual relationship has deviated significantly.

0046In other examples, the controller <b>17</b> may generate a baseline for the relationship between the throttle position and the manifold pressure (or may adjust the preset relationship). For example, when the engine is first turned on, or when the air filter is replaced, or takes an average value over a period of time (e.g., the average over the first 50 hours of operation or the last 200 hours of operation), the controller <b>17</b> collects data from the throttle position sensor and the MAP sensor. The controller <b>17</b> or the sensor <b>200</b> calculates the baseline by comparing the initial values of the throttle position data and the pressure data. The controller <b>17</b> may construct the baseline based on a predetermined function type. The function type for the relationship between the throttle position and the manifold pressure may be a linear function, a second order function, or a higher ordered function.

0047In either example, the controller <b>17</b> may access a lookup table that relates throttle position and manifold pressure. In some instances, the controller <b>17</b> queries the lookup table with one or more measured throttle positions and receives an expected manifold pressure. In some instances, the controller <b>17</b> queries the lookup table with one or more measured manifold pressure values and receives an expected throttle position. The controller <b>17</b> compares the expected values from the lookup table to measured values in the sensor data. When the expected values do not match (e.g., when an absolute value of a difference between measured values and expected values exceed a threshold amount), the controller <b>17</b> may generate a warning message.

0048<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> illustrates one example relationship between engine speed, throttle position, and manifold pressure. The expected throttle position may be a function of manifold pressure and engine speed, and the expected manifold pressure may be a function of throttle position and engine speed. The relationship may be described by a three dimensional surface, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>, or an equation fit to the surface of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>. The relationship may be defined according to engine speed or ranges of engine speed. For example, a first relationship between throttle position and manifold pressure may be used for 0 to 1000 revolutions per minute (RPM), a second for engine speeds from 1000 to 3000 RPM, and a third for higher than 3000 RPM. The relationship between manifold pressure and throttle position may be a second order function with coefficients that vary as a function of engine speed. The relationship may vary between models of engines, manifolds, and throttles.

0049In one example, when the relationship between the throttle position and the manifold pressure deviates from expected values by a predetermined range (e.g., 10%, 20%, one standard deviation, or another value), the server <b>200</b> determines that maintenance is required. The relationship between the throttle position and the manifold pressure may deviate from expected values when the air filter is no longer operating properly. The air filter may be dirty or clogged, or another blockage may be near or downstream of the air filter. When the relationship between the throttle position and the manifold pressure deviates beyond a given threshold, the server <b>200</b> may generate and send a message to the mobile device <b>300</b> that instructs the user to replace the air filter for the engine <b>10</b>.

0050The fleet management system may monitor the battery level of the engine <b>10</b>. The controller <b>17</b> or the server <b>200</b> may receive battery level data from the engine <b>10</b>. The battery level may be a voltage or a current. In some systems, the server <b>200</b> may make available to the mobile device <b>300</b> the battery voltage, with no further analysis. In other systems, the server <b>200</b> may compare the battery level to a minimum battery level. The minimum battery level may be stored according to battery model or device model. If the detected battery level falls below the minimum battery level, the server <b>200</b> may additionally or alternatively generate an alert message warning of low battery to the mobile device <b>300</b>. The alert message may include the identifier for the engine <b>10</b>. Other variations are possible.

0051The fleet management system may provide location based services for the engines <b>10</b>. The controller <b>17</b> may receive position data from the sensor array <b>11</b>, which may include GPS or another location sensor. The server <b>200</b> may generate a map that includes the locations of the engines <b>10</b>. The server <b>200</b> may provide the location information and/or a generated map to the mobile device <b>300</b>.

0052The location based service may report malfunction codes. The controller <b>17</b> (e.g., ECU) may generate malfunction codes based on the operation of the engine <b>10</b>. The malfunction codes may identify a component of an error (e.g., sensor, exhaust, cylinder, manifold, or another component) and a type of error.

0053The server <b>200</b> may receive the malfunction code and the position data from the radio <b>15</b>. The server <b>200</b> may query a malfunction code index in the memory <b>15</b> to determine whether the current malfunction code parameter is active and should be reported to the user. If the malfunction code is active and/or should be reported, the server <b>200</b> may generate a message for display on the mobile device <b>300</b> that describes the location of the engine and the type of malfunction detected by the controller <b>17</b>. The message may be an email, text message, or another message that provides notification that a malfunction code is active, what the malfunction code is, and/or the location of a unit. In other systems, the malfunction code and/or location information may be provided to the mobile device <b>300</b> when a user accesses the server <b>200</b> through a website or mobile app.

0054In some systems, the message may also provide specific maintenance or repair instructions for display at the mobile device <b>300</b>. For example, the malfunction code index stored in the memory <b>15</b> or in the server <b>200</b>, may include specific instructions indexed by engine manufacturer, model number, and malfunction code. The instructions may detail the steps to check sensor functionality, change an oil filter, clean a spark plug, or another maintenance or repair procedure. The message may include a listing of the tools or parts required by the maintenance or repair. The message may include a link to purchase the tools or parts. The server <b>200</b> may automatically order the tools or parts based on the malfunction code.

0055The fleet management system may track the environmental impact of the fleet of engines <b>10</b>. The server <b>200</b> or controller <b>17</b> may receive emission data from the gas sensors (e.g., oxygen sensor, carbon dioxide sensor, carbon monoxide, or emission sensor). The server <b>200</b> or controller <b>17</b> may calculate the total emissions of any individual machines <b>100</b> or engines <b>10</b>, or the total emissions across the fleet of machines <b>100</b> and engines <b>10</b>. The server <b>200</b> may generate a report for the emissions of the fleet of engines and send the report to the mobile device <b>300</b> or another type of access device <b>30</b> (e.g., a computer).

0056The fleet management system may track the engines <b>10</b> and the usage of the engines. For example, the server <b>200</b> may receive and store the position of the engines <b>10</b>. If one of the engines is lost or stolen, the user may enter a request at or using the mobile device <b>300</b> for the last known location of the engine <b>10</b>. The server <b>200</b> may access the position data and send a report to the mobile device <b>300</b>. The server <b>200</b> may also provide a message when one of the engines identified as lost or stolen is subsequently turned on in the future.

0057The server <b>200</b> may also calculate and/or track fuel usage for the engines <b>10</b>. As described above, fuel usage may be calculated, for example, based on the injection time. The amount of fuel added to the machine when fueling may additionally or alternatively be detected using a flow sensor. The user or a fleet manager may enter the amount of fuel added to the machine into an expense report (e.g., on the mobile device <b>300</b>). Data indicative of the amount of fuel may be sent to the server <b>200</b>.

0058Alternatively, the amount of fuel may be tracked from a gasoline pump. The gasoline pump may record a transaction by credit card or other purchasing information associated with the engine <b>10</b>. The server <b>200</b> may receive the purchasing information, which is associated with an engine or fleet of engines.

0059The server <b>200</b> may compare the amount of fuel added when fueling to the amount of fuel used by the engine <b>10</b>. When these two values deviate by a predetermined amount, the server <b>200</b> may generate a message for the mobile device <b>300</b> that describes a suspicion of fuel theft. The server <b>200</b> may also track when the engine <b>10</b> needs to be refueled based on a tank size, flow sensing, and/or fuel usage. Many other examples are possible.

0060The fleet management system may include, for example, a fleet of lawnmowers. Any of the above services may be applied to the engines of the lawnmowers. The fleet management system may provide additional or alternative features tailored to a fleet of lawnmowers.

0061The fleet management system may track the location of the lawnmowers. Each of the engines <b>10</b> or the lawnmowers may, for example, identify a GPS location of the lawnmower and may send the GPS location to the server <b>200</b> over a network. The server <b>200</b> may generate a map showing the locations of the lawnmowers in the fleet. Thus, the server <b>200</b> may determine when a particular lawnmower arrived at a job site, left the job site, and accordingly, the amount of time spent at the job site.

0062The time at the job site may be confirmed or supplemented by additional sensor data. For example, the server <b>200</b> may confirm that the ignition system indicates that the lawnmower is running and/or the deck of the lawnmower was engaged.

0063The fleet management system and/or server <b>200</b> may further use the location and/or timing information to track the activities of a crew. For example, a user may track a location of all engines <b>10</b> or lawnmowers in the fleet using the mobile device <b>300</b> and information stored by the server <b>200</b>. In some instances, the user may identify variations in the locations of the lawnmowers and a known or anticipated work schedule. In other examples, a schedule or program may be stored in the server <b>200</b>, identifying an expected location, route, or travel pattern of an engine <b>10</b> or lawnmower. In one alternative, the travel pattern of the engine <b>10</b> may be related to plowing, paving, or another mechanical device rather than a lawnmower.

0064The server <b>200</b> may compare the location of the engine <b>10</b> or lawnmower with an expected location, route, or travel pattern identified in the programmed schedule. Where the actual location is not within a given distance from the expected location, the server <b>200</b> may provide an alert to the mobile device <b>300</b> indicating that the lawnmower is deviating from the scheduled route or travel pattern. Additionally or alternatively, when the engine <b>10</b> or lawnmower has not moved to a new location within the timing provided in the stored location, the server <b>200</b> may provide an alert to the mobile device <b>300</b> indicating that the lawnmower (or operator) is running behind schedule. Many other variations are possible.

0065The server <b>200</b> may additionally or alternatively calculate the distance traveled by the lawnmower or the average speed of the lawnmower based on the position data. The server <b>200</b> may change the mow pattern for a particular location over time. For example, repeating the same mow pattern on a property may cause lines to appear in the grass or groves to form in the turn from the wheels of the lawn mower. The server <b>200</b> may adjust mowing patterns over time for the property to prevent these artifacts from forming.

0066The fleet management system may track an operation pattern of a mechanical device such as a mowing pattern of a lawnmower. For example, the server <b>200</b> may receive and track the GPS location of the lawnmower, which the server <b>200</b> may use to determine a travel path of the lawnmower. The server <b>200</b> may additionally identify, receive, or otherwise track when the engine of the lawnmower is turned on (such as by tracking a key position) or when a mower deck is engaged (such as by tracking a load profile of the engine). In some additional systems, the server <b>200</b> may additionally identify or receive information about a layout, boundary, or map of a turf or property to be cut. The layouts may be predefined or manually entered by the user. For example, the user may measure the lawn and enter the measurements into the mobile device <b>300</b>, which are sent to the server <b>200</b>. The measurements may include the boundaries of the lawn and distances to obstacles (e.g., trees, flower beds, houses, or other things that must be avoided by the lawnmower). Using some or all of the information about the travel path of the lawnmower, the property information, and when the engine is on or the deck is engaged, the server <b>200</b> may determine the mow pattern used to cut a given property.

0067The fleet management system, or server <b>200</b>, may provide a mowing plan for the lawnmowers to a user or mobile device <b>300</b>. In some systems, the server <b>200</b> may perform one or more calculations to determine the most efficient mow pattern for the turf or property to be cut. The calculations may be based on the layout, boundary, or map of the property to be cut, a location of obstacles on the property, and/or a deck width of the lawnmower. In one example, the server <b>200</b> receives the identifier from the controller <b>17</b> that indicates the width of the mowing deck of the lawnmower. The server <b>200</b> may access a lookup table associating identifiers with deck sizes. In another example, the user enters the deck size or a serial number into the mobile device <b>300</b>. The server <b>200</b> may compare the deck width to the lawn layout, and to limitations presented by obstacles or narrow portions of the layout, to determine the mowing plan.

0068The fleet management system or server <b>200</b> may provide a mowing plan for lawnmowers to a user or mobile device <b>300</b> based on historical data. For example, the server <b>200</b> may identify or determine, and store, mow patterns for lawnmowers. The server <b>200</b> may tag or associate the stored mow patterns with a property, layout, boundary, or map of the property. In one example, the server <b>200</b> may receive a user input (e.g., from workstation <b>209</b> or mobile device <b>300</b>). The user input may specify a particular pattern for the pattern. The user may walk the pattern outline and the mobile device <b>300</b> tracks the GPS position of the outline. The user may attach sensor to the mobile device <b>300</b> for surveying the pattern. The sensor may be a laser or optical range finder. In one example, the mobile device <b>300</b> may track the operation of the lawnmower or other mechanical device as it performs maintenance on the pattern (e.g., by mowing or plowing), and the tracked pattern is used for subsequent maintenance. The server <b>200</b> may additionally or alternatively tag or associate the stored mow patterns with a mower type, deck width, or other engine or lawn mower parameter.

0069The server <b>200</b> may additionally or alternatively store information regarding the time taken to perform the mow pattern, and/or emissions produced during the performance of the mow pattern. Once the server <b>200</b> identifies or received an indication of the property to be cut, the server <b>200</b> may reference the stored mow patterns and associated data to select the most efficient mow pattern, and provide that mow pattern as the mowing plan to the user. In some systems, such as where the property to be cut has no historical mow patterns stored, the server <b>200</b> may identify a property with a boundary, layout, or map that most closely resembles the new property, and may provide the most efficient mow pattern for the similar layout as the mowing plan for the new property. Many other variations are possible.

0070In addition, the server <b>200</b> may select a lawnmower based on deck widths of available lawnmower that will most efficiently mow the lawn. The deck width that evenly divides into a dimension of the lawn may be selected. Also, the server <b>200</b> may identify a pinch point (e.g., the smallest dimension of the lawn) and select a lawnmower that can fit through the pinch point. The server <b>200</b> may also determine a mowing plan that begins and ends at the same location of the lawn. In making the selection of the appropriate lawnmower, the server <b>200</b> may perform calculations based on any of the above-described parameters. Alternatively, the server <b>200</b> may consult stored mow patterns or historical mowing information in selecting an appropriate lawnmower. In one example, the deck widths of available lawnmowers are stored in the server <b>200</b>. In another example, the server <b>200</b> analyzes the sensor data, as described below, to determine the deck signature, and accordingly, deck widths of the lawnmowers. In this way, job requests may be assigned to particular lawnmowers or operators based on the deck signature or load on the engine. The server <b>200</b> may distribute the jobs to various lawnmower based on past performance. In addition, the server <b>200</b> may divide an existing job to the lawnmowers on the job during the job. That is more efficient lawnmowers may be assigned more are to mow. Other variations are possible.

0071The fleet management system may provide maintenance reminders for the lawnmowers. Any of the maintenance or repair messages discussed above may be applied to the fleet of lawnmowers.

0072The fleet management system or server <b>200</b> may additionally track the deck of the lawnmower, such as when the deck is engaged or disengaged. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> illustrates an example deck signature for a lawnmower. The graph of the deck signature includes the throttle position of the throttle valve on the vertical axis and time on the horizontal axis.

0073The deck signature reflects the additional load placed on the engine <b>10</b> when engaging the deck. The additional load is caused by the engaging mechanism to move the deck and/or the rotation of the lawnmower blades. Each manufacturer or model of lawnmower may have a different deck signature. The server <b>200</b> may match a measured deck signature from the sensor data to a set of possible deck signatures in order to identify the manufacturer or model of the lawnmower. The deck signature may include a starting point <b>31</b>, a peak value <b>33</b>, and an end point <b>35</b>. The server <b>200</b> may compare throttle position data received from the engine <b>10</b> with the expected deck signature to identify when the deck is engaged.

0074The deck signature may be monitored by the server <b>200</b> to identify a need for maintenance. For example, when the deck signature deviates from the expected signature, the server <b>200</b> may determine that the clutch on the mower needs to be replaced or that the lawnmower blades should be replaced. In addition, the time for tracking engine run time may be started and/or stopped based on the deck signature. Additionally, the fleet management system or server <b>200</b> may use information about when the deck is engaged or disengaged for various calculations and determinations, such as for calculating a mow pattern and determining a time or emissions efficiency of the lawnmower.

0075The fleet management system may provide business services. For example, the deck signature may be monitored by the server <b>200</b> to identify when the lawnmower is mowing. The server <b>200</b> may determine how much mowing time was spent at the job site. The server <b>200</b> may calculate the cost of the job based on the mowing time, the price of fuel, and/or the hourly wage of employees. The server <b>200</b> may predict the cost of another job based on earlier jobs and the mowing plans (e.g., mowing distance for the job). The server <b>200</b> may calculate a bid price based on the calculated cost of the job.

0076The fleet management system may monitor the performance of the lawnmower or the operators of the lawnmower. The server <b>200</b> may store information about one or more operators of lawnmowers or other lawn equipment. For example, the server <b>200</b> may tag or associate historical mow pattern data or information with an operator of the lawnmower or other lawn equipment. The identification of the lawnmower or the operator may be determined from the identifier value in the data. The operator may log the lawnmower he is using via the mobile device <b>300</b>. The server <b>200</b> may calculate efficiencies for particular operators or lawnmowers for specific properties or types of properties. For example, the server <b>200</b> may, based on this historical data, calculate how much area a particular operator or lawnmower covers per unit time, how efficient (time or emissions) an operator is with a particular type of engine or lawnmower, consistency of an operator in sticking to a mowing plan, time spent cutting, time spent traveling, time spent not cutting, and various other pieces of information about an operator. Using some of all of these factors, the server <b>200</b> may assign the most efficient lawnmower or operator to similar jobs in the future.

0077The server <b>200</b> may track improvements of operators over time. The server <b>200</b> may calculate wages or bonuses for employees based on the efficiencies. The server <b>200</b> may rank operators based on efficiency. The server <b>200</b> may assign new jobs based on past performance. The server <b>200</b> may identify types of jobs that are better suited for certain lawnmowers or certain operators. For example, empirical data may show steep inclines, narrow spaces, low clearance height, or tight corners may be better handed by certain lawnmowers or operators. The server <b>200</b> may match future job requests with those features to the more equipped lawnmower or operator. The server <b>200</b> may also divide portions of a mow pattern having specific features (e.g., steep inclines, narrow spaces, low clearance height, or tight corners) so that specific features are assigned to one lawnmower or operator and other portions are assigned to a difference lawnmower or operator.

0078The server <b>200</b> may monitor the lawnmowers for safety. For example, the server <b>200</b> may receive data from a tilt sensor, magnetic sensor, or accelerometer that describes the orientation of the lawnmower. The server <b>200</b> may access a maximum tilt angle based on the model of the lawnmower. The maximum tilt angle is the steepest hill that the lawnmower can mow or travel on safely. The server <b>200</b> may compare the maximum tilt angle to the current title angle of the lawnmower. If the current angle of the lawnmower exceeds the maximum tilt angle, the server <b>200</b> may generate a tilt warning message, which is sent to the mobile device <b>300</b>.

0079The fleet management system may include a fleet of welding machines, such as welder/generators. Any of the above services may be applied to the engines of the welding machines. The fleet management system may provide additional features tailored to a fleet of welding machines or a single welding machine.

0080Based on the injection time data, the controller <b>17</b> or the server <b>200</b> may calculate the amount of fuel used by the welding machine. Similarly, the ratio of time between when the machine is welding or not welding may be calculated. The server <b>200</b> may identify when the welding machine is approaching time for refueling based on fuel usage. Many other variations are possible.

0081The fleet management systems described herein may include one or more generators, such as one or more portable generators, towable generators, residential or industrial generators, marine generators, or other generators. As an example, the fleet management system may include a set of marine generators aboard a fleet of fishing boats, cruise boats or ships, military or police ships, or other set of sea vessels. As another example, the fleet management system may include a set of towable generators, such as a set of towable generators owned by one or more towable generator rental companies. As still another example, the fleet management system may include a set of industrial generators used at a series of commonly owned buildings or plants. Many other variations are possible.

0082The fleet management systems including generators (“generator fleet management system”) may include one or a plurality of generators, which may include an engine (such as engine <b>10</b>) and an alternator. The fleet management systems including generators may additionally include a management device <b>20</b> or server <b>200</b>. The generators may communicate with the management device <b>20</b> or server <b>200</b> through a wired or wireless network. The fleet management systems including generators may additionally or alternatively include one or more access devices <b>30</b>, such as a mobile device <b>300</b>, which may access information from the management device <b>20</b> or server <b>200</b> about the fleet of generators. Additional, different, or fewer components may also be included.

0083The generator fleet management system may identify, receive, track, and/or otherwise collect information about the generators from the generators or engines <b>10</b> in the generators, including any of the information described above. As some examples, the generator fleet management system may identify, receive, track, and/or otherwise collect information about usage or operation of the engine, such as when the engine is on, what speed the engine is operating at, a load being supplied power by the generator, a temperature of the engine, a mode of operation of the engine (such as a power-supply mode or an exercise mode), and any other engine operating parameters. As additional examples, the generator fleet management system may identify, receive, track, and/or otherwise collect information about the location of the generator, fuel consumption or usage of the generator, whether or not additional generators are paralleled with the generator, a wiring configuration of the generator, a power quality or power signal generated by the generator, or various other parameters. The generator fleet management system may additionally or alternatively identify, receive, track, and/or otherwise collect information related to the generator information, such weather information for the location of the generator. Many other variations are possible.

0084The generator fleet management system or a component thereof (such as the server <b>200</b>, or in some instances the generators themselves) may perform one or more calculations based on the information identified, received, tracked, and/or otherwise collected. The generator fleet management system, or server <b>200</b>, may provide information, messages, reports, or alerts about the generators to a user through the access device <b>30</b> or mobile device <b>300</b>. In some instances, the user may access the information from the server <b>200</b> through a website or mobile app. In other instances, the server <b>200</b> may send notifications to the user through messages or alerts transmitted to the access device <b>30</b> or mobile device <b>300</b>. The server <b>200</b> may provide the information, messages, reports, or alerts regularly, continuously, at intervals, when triggered, or at random.

0085For example, the server <b>200</b> may provide a report on the status of the identify an efficiency of a generator, a fuel consumption or usage of a generator, a condition of the components (such as a condition of an air filter or component of the generator) to an access device <b>30</b> or a mobile device <b>300</b>.

0086As another example, the server <b>200</b> may identify and track a location of the generators (such as where the generators are marine generators on a fleet of ships or towable generators rented by a rental company). The server <b>200</b> may provide a regular or map report of the locations to a user or fleet manager, such as through an access device <b>30</b> or a mobile device <b>300</b>. In some systems, the server <b>200</b> may compare a location, route, or travel path of a generator with an expected location, route, or travel path of the generator. Where the actual location, route, or travel path differs from the expected location, route or travel path by more than a threshold amount, the server <b>200</b> may transmit an alert to the fleet manager, indicating that the generator is not following an expected course or is not in an expected location. In this way, a fleet manager may monitor the usage of marine or rental property, and may further find lost or stolen property.

0087As another example, the server <b>200</b> may monitor the operating parameters of a set of residential or industrial generators installed by a particular distributor or dealer. The server <b>200</b> may provide the owner, or the distributor or dealer, with alerts when one or more parameters indicate a potential part failure. As such, the owner may take corrective action, or the distributor or dealer may contact the owner of the generator and suggest corrective action, in accordance with the alerts. Many other variations are possible.

0088<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> illustrates an example server <b>200</b>. The server <b>200</b> includes at least a processor <b>202</b>, a memory <b>201</b>, and a communication interface <b>203</b>. The server <b>200</b> may be coupled with a database <b>207</b> and/or a workstation <b>209</b>. The database <b>207</b> may store possible load signatures associated with various mechanical devices. The database <b>207</b> may store management functions, maintenance intervals, and example message described herein. The user may provide input through the workstation <b>209</b> to modify or create the management functions, maintenance intervals, or messages. Additional, fewer, or different components or arrangements are possible. The examples above described as functions of the server <b>200</b> may be performed by the processor <b>202</b>, memory <b>201</b>, and the communication interface <b>203</b>. Any of the functions or calculations described above with respect to the server <b>200</b> may alternatively be performed by the access device <b>20</b> or internally to the machine (e.g., by controller <b>17</b>).

0089<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> illustrates a mobile device <b>300</b> for receiving user inputs and displaying fleet management messages and reports. The mobile device <b>300</b> includes a mobile device controller <b>302</b>, an input device <b>303</b>, a communication interface <b>305</b>, a memory <b>307</b>, and a display <b>311</b>. Additional, different, or fewer components may be included.

0090The examples above describe an alert sent to the mobile device <b>300</b>. In other instances, this information may be (1) accessed by a user of the mobile device <b>300</b> through a log-in to a website, service, or a mobile application, and/or (2) may be sent back to the machine including the engine <b>10</b> in some instances in which the machine includes or is otherwise in communication with an on-board display).

0091<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> illustrates an example application running on display <b>311</b> for fleet management services. The mobile application may include a performance button <b>315</b> to enter a performance monitoring section of the mobile application, a maintenance button <b>317</b> to enter a maintenance section of the mobile application, a messages button <b>319</b> to enter a mailbox, and a phone button <b>321</b>. The phone button may be linked to a phone number or email for a manger or other employee for the fleet.

0092<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> illustrates an example application for the fleet management system. The application may display the sensor data, maintenance intervals, or management functions to the user. The example screenshot <b>400</b> may include sensor data readouts <b>401</b> such as timer values, malfunction, injection times, battery levels, engine speeds, manifold pressure, engine time, or other data. The example screenshot <b>400</b> may compare the expected manifold pressure to the measured manifold pressure. The example screenshot <b>400</b> may compare the expected throttle position to the measured throttle position. The example screenshot <b>400</b> may include a map <b>403</b> of a mowing pattern. The map <b>403</b> may also include a current position <b>405</b> of the engine based on GPS or another positioning technique. In addition, the application may include an indication of a mode of the fleet device. Example modes include closed loop mode (e.g., fuel efficient mode) or an open loop mode (e.g., power enhancement mode).

0093<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> illustrates a flow chart for the fleet management system. The acts of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> may be performed by the mobile device <b>300</b>, the server <b>200</b> or on the machine <b>100</b> (e.g., by controller <b>17</b>), which may be referred to alternatively as a computing device. Additional, different, or fewer acts may be included.

0094At act S<b>101</b>, the computing device may receive sensor data indicative of a load on an engine from one or more fleet devices. The sensor data may be received by the controller <b>17</b> from one or more of the sensors. The sensor data may be received at the server from the controller <b>17</b> or an engine control unit (ECU). The sensor data may be accumulated to describe aggregate use of the engine. The sensor data may indicate the operation of an intermittent mechanical device that is connected and disconnected to the engine. Examples include a lawnmower deck, a plow, a chainsaw, a pump, a welder, or other devices. Thus, the sensor data may include a load signature, which may be a lawnmower deck signature, or alternatively, a load signature for a plow, chainsaw, welder or other device.

0095At act S<b>103</b>, the computing device may analyze the load from the sensor data to identify a management function. In one example, the management function describes a maintenance interval or maintenance instruction. For example, the computing device may identify when a mower blade, engine oil, filter, or another consumable related to the engine should be replaced. In another example, the management function may assign a job request to the engine. For example, the computing device may identify a model or capability associated with the engine (e.g., deck width, chainsaw blade size, or another capability of the mechanical device associated with the engine).

0096In one example, the computing device may analyze the load from the server data to identify incorrect operation of the engine. For example, in the case of a lawnmower, the sensor data may include a load signature indicative of hitting an obstruction. The obstruction may prevent the lawnmower blade from properly turning, or damage the lawnmower such as creating misalignment of the mowing deck, which places a high load on the engine. The indication of incorrect operation may be sent to the management device. The management function may indicate that the incorrect operation has occurred, suggest maintenance based on the incorrect operation, or provide operating techniques that may help avoid the incorrect operation.

0097At act S<b>105</b>, the computing device may generate a message including the management function. The message may include an instruction to the user to perform maintenance. The message may give the user an option of requesting service.

0098Any combination of the controller <b>17</b>, processor <b>202</b>, and the mobile device controller <b>302</b> may include a general processor, digital signal processor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), field programmable gate array (FPGA), analog circuit, digital circuit, combinations thereof, or other now known or later developed processor. One or more of the processor <b>202</b>, the generator controller <b>130</b>, and the mobile device controller <b>302</b> may be a single device or combinations of devices, such as associated with a network, distributed processing, or cloud computing.

0099The memory <b>15</b>, memory <b>201</b> and memory <b>307</b> may be a volatile memory or a non-volatile memory. The memories may include one or more of a read only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), a flash memory, an electronic erasable program read only memory (EEPROM), or other type of memory. The memory <b>201</b> may be removable from the controller <b>302</b>, and the memory <b>15</b> may be removable from the engine, such as a secure digital (SD) memory card.

0100The communication interface <b>203</b> and the communication interface <b>305</b> may include any operable connection. An operable connection may be one in which signals, physical communications, and/or logical communications may be sent and/or received. An operable connection may include a physical interface, an electrical interface, and/or a data interface. The communication interface <b>203</b> and the communication interface <b>305</b> provides for wireless and/or wired communications in any now known or later developed format.

0101The engines <b>10</b>, the server <b>200</b>, and the mobile device <b>300</b> are connected by a network. The network may include wired networks, wireless networks, or combinations thereof. The wireless network may be a cellular telephone network, an 802.11, 802.16, 802.20, or WiMax network. Further, the network may be a public network, such as the Internet, a private network, such as an intranet, or combinations thereof, and may utilize a variety of networking protocols now available or later developed including, but not limited to TCP/IP based networking protocols.

0102The memories may be a non-transitory computer-readable medium. While the non-transitory computer-readable medium is shown to be a single medium, the term “computer-readable medium” includes a single medium or multiple media, such as a centralized or distributed database, and/or associated caches and servers that store one or more sets of instructions. The term “computer-readable medium” shall also include any medium that is capable of storing, encoding or carrying a set of instructions for execution by a processor or that cause a computer system to perform any one or more of the methods or operations disclosed herein.

0103In a particular non-limiting, exemplary embodiment, the computer-readable medium can include a solid-state memory such as a memory card or other package that houses one or more non-volatile read-only memories. Further, the computer-readable medium can be a random access memory or other volatile re-writable memory. Additionally, the computer-readable medium can include a magneto-optical or optical medium, such as a disk or tapes or other storage device to capture carrier wave signals such as a signal communicated over a transmission medium. A digital file attachment to an e-mail or other self-contained information archive or set of archives may be considered a distribution medium that is a tangible storage medium. Accordingly, the disclosure is considered to include any one or more of a computer-readable medium or a distribution medium and other equivalents and successor media, in which data or instructions may be stored.

0104In an alternative embodiment, dedicated hardware implementations, such as application specific integrated circuits, programmable logic arrays and other hardware devices, can be constructed to implement one or more of the methods described herein. Applications that may include the apparatus and systems of various embodiments can broadly include a variety of electronic and computer systems. One or more embodiments described herein may implement functions using two or more specific interconnected hardware modules or devices with related control and data signals that can be communicated between and through the modules, or as portions of an application-specific integrated circuit. Accordingly, the present system encompasses software, firmware, and hardware implementations.

0105In accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure, the methods described herein may be implemented by software programs executable by a computer system. Further, in an exemplary, non-limited embodiment, implementations can include distributed processing, component/object distributed processing, and parallel processing. Alternatively, virtual computer system processing can be constructed to implement one or more of the methods or functionality as described herein.

0106The processes and logic flows described in this specification can be performed by one or more programmable processors executing one or more computer programs to perform functions by operating on input data and generating output. The processes and logic flows can also be performed by, and apparatus can also be implemented as, special purpose logic circuitry, e.g., an FPGA (field programmable gate array) or an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit).

0107Processors suitable for the execution of a computer program include, by way of example, both general and special purpose microprocessors, and anyone or more processors of any kind of digital computer. Generally, a processor receives instructions and data from a read only memory or a random access memory or both. The essential elements of a computer are a processor for performing instructions and one or more memory devices for storing instructions and data. Generally, a computer also includes, or be operatively coupled to receive data from or transfer data to, or both, one or more mass storage devices for storing data, e.g., magnetic, magneto optical disks, or optical disks. However, a computer need not have such devices. Moreover, a computer can be embedded in another device, e.g., a mobile telephone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a mobile audio player, a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver, to name just a few. Computer readable media suitable for storing computer program instructions and data include all forms of non-volatile memory, media and memory devices, including by way of example semiconductor memory devices, e.g., EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices; magnetic disks, e.g., internal hard disks or removable disks; magneto optical disks; and CD ROM and DVD-ROM disks. The processor and the memory can be supplemented by, or incorporated in, special purpose logic circuitry.

0108To provide for interaction with a user, embodiments of the subject matter described in this specification can be implemented on a device having a display, e.g., a CRT (cathode ray tube) or LCD (liquid crystal display) monitor, for displaying information to the user and a keyboard and a pointing device, e.g., a mouse or a trackball, by which the user can provide input to the computer. Other kinds of devices can be used to provide for interaction with a user as well; for example, feedback provided to the user can be any form of sensory feedback, e.g., visual feedback, auditory feedback, or tactile feedback; and input from the user can be received in any form, including acoustic, speech, or tactile input.

0109The computing system can include clients and servers. A client and server are generally remote from each other and typically interact through a communication network. The relationship of client and server arises by virtue of computer programs running on the respective computers and having a client-server relationship to each other.

0110The illustrations of the embodiments described herein are intended to provide a general understanding of the structure of the various embodiments. The illustrations are not intended to serve as a complete description of all of the elements and features of apparatus and systems that utilize the structures or methods described herein. Many other embodiments may be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the disclosure. Other embodiments may be utilized and derived from the disclosure, such that structural and logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Additionally, the illustrations are merely representational and may not be drawn to scale. Certain proportions within the illustrations may be exaggerated, while other proportions may be minimized. Accordingly, the disclosure and the figures are to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive.

0111While this specification contains many specifics, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular embodiments of the invention. Certain features that are described in this specification in the context of separate embodiments can also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment can also be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable sub-combination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a sub-combination or variation of a sub-combination.

0112Similarly, while operations are depicted in the drawings and described herein in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. In certain circumstances, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Moreover, the separation of various system components in the embodiments described above should not be understood as requiring such separation in all embodiments, and it should be understood that the described program components and systems can generally be integrated together in a single software product or packaged into multiple software products.

0113One or more embodiments of the disclosure may be referred to herein, individually and/or collectively, by the term “invention” merely for convenience and without intending to voluntarily limit the scope of this application to any particular invention or inventive concept. Moreover, although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it should be appreciated that any subsequent arrangement designed to achieve the same or similar purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all subsequent adaptations or variations of various embodiments. Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments not specifically described herein, are apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the description.

0114It is intended that the foregoing detailed description be regarded as illustrative rather than limiting and that it is understood that the following claims including all equivalents are intended to define the scope of the invention. The claims should not be read as limited to the described order or elements unless stated to that effect. Therefore, all embodiments that come within the scope and spirit of the following claims and equivalents thereto are claimed as the invention.